Sub-Panel Q.s

I am looking to have a sub-panel installed, but have a few questions since I will do the wiring to the panel but have a licensed electrician do the final hook up from panel to panel. First off, the county I live in uses NEC 2008. So in light of this, rather than run 4 wires to the main, is it permitted to run the 3 wires and set up a grounding rod(s) outside. This is an attached garage